The sun sunk lower and the day light was fading away slowly. The
heat of the summer breeze calmed down and the old fashioned windows made
patterns on the floor as the dusk rays filled her house and she? She sat by the
window sipping slowly from her cup of tea like time would wait for her. The ticking-off
clock in the drawing room was her only companion. Such was the silence around. Out
from the window she could see the empty swing almost still and almost rusted
and worn-out. Rekha smiled to herself as she replayed her life 20 years ago.
“Wake up darling!” The first alarm goes for Aiyana. With a
little tickle and a loving kiss Aiyana gets the first glance of her own
guardian angel with her eyes half-open. Her name, ‘Aiyana’ meant forever- Rekha’s
forever.
Rekha’s days are packed. Every minute knows it’s routine. She
wakes up well ahead of the sun. Prepares breakfast that never has satisfied
every member of the family, packs lunch in each one’s boxes, get ready for
another hectic day at office, in between there is always a sticky spot on the
floor, dirty laundry, dishes in the sink and then there was the biggest task; getting
Aiyana ready to school.
“I’m not going today mama”
cries Aiyana, “just this one day”.
This is also part of the routine. After multiple wake-up calls and 10 minute
snoozes Rekha manages to drag Aiyana out of her bed. Uniforms to be ironed,
books that were all around the house need to find its place in her school bag,
fill water bottles and snack, polish shoes and ensure homework is done. “Quick Aiyana! Eat fast! Finish your breakfast” she hurries as she ties her
little hair, pulls her sock and in no time there comes the school bus honking.
Phewwwww! Rings a bell? Why wouldn’t it?
These morning circus scenes are no different anywhere. Moms, also
known as commanders-in-chief set the rhythm going for each day, all year round,
through the years so long. Special, aren’t
they?
There were days Rekha wished for this uproar to end. She wanted a
time when she no longer had to put toys back into the box, have undisturbed
sleep at night and when she didn’t have to worry about what needs to go into Aiyana’s
lunch box the next day and when she can have a peaceful time for herself. She
was worn out from the monotony of her days.
But Aiyana was the cure to all her stress, heart-ache, tension
and monotony. Evenings were their favorite time. Aiyana loved her swing. The
bright pink swing seat fastened by linked chains on both sides would wait all
day for the little girl to step on and sway up as her mom pushed her higher and
higher. Every time the swing went up in the sky, Aiyana would make a squeal
that was every grown-up’s envy, quite naturally!
From the day Aiyana was born, she became the centre of Rekha’s
world and her entirety. Now and then Aiyana gave little surprises- first word
spoken, first step taken, first drawing, first day at school, first ride on her
bicycle and first of many other things. Through laughter, bruises, not-so-good
days, parent-teacher meetings, sports days and graduation her little girl grew;
grew right in front of her eyes and Rekha at all times felt that time had
cheated on her.
Aiyana is now a confident young woman who was flown far away from
her but much closer to her dreams. The proud mom broke inside when she had to
wave good-bye. Her long-wished days were hers now. She could have undisturbed
sleep, no more toys lying around, no more lunch box packing. But walls were
never so gray. They were beginning to lose life without the laughter of Aiyana.
So was Rekha.
The clock still ticks and the tea is cold. Rekha mind was filled
with million memories, thousand thoughts and one person. The thing about memories
is that no one would ever read your thoughts, feel your pain and see your smile
and tear, but you.
A faint ring-tone shoved her back to the moment and her Skype
said “Aiyana calling”
What would Rekha not give away to get back those days of morning
circus scenes and evening fun of swinging her little girl?
At the front yard, the empty swing still waits.
